How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't completely focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key. If they can't however, they'll be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods can damage the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at one time or another. If you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these tricks as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. You can seek help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is calling the towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it in order to easily contact them. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
get a spare car key made 's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before asking for help. If you are unsure about how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which could allow you access.
You can also attempt to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. Most dealers will give you a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra to a close friend or family member who may be able help you in a pinch. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to help you quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you are locked out of your car.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a risky area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different way to get back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.